Hulk Hogan’s Political Turn: From Hulkamania to Trumpamania
Hulk Hogan, the wrestling legend born Terry Gene Bollea, captivated generations with his charisma, signature bandana, and booming catchphrase: “Whatcha gonna do, brother?” But in recent years, the conversation around Hogan has shifted—from suplexes to speeches.
With his death on July 24, 2025, at age 71, fans are reassessing not just his wrestling legacy, but his political transformation, including his high-profile support for Donald Trump.
From Obama to Trump: Hogan’s Political Evolution
Hogan’s political views have changed over time:
- 2008: Endorsed Barack Obama during the presidential campaign.
- 2012: Switched support to Republican Mitt Romney.
- 2024: Fully embraced Donald Trump, becoming one of his most flamboyant celebrity endorsers.
The turning point? The assassination attempt on Trump on July 13, 2024, at a Pennsylvania rally. Hogan later said:
“When I saw him stand up with that fist in the air and the blood on his face — as a warrior, as a leader — I realized that’s what America needs.”
The RNC Speech That Went Viral
At the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Hogan created a media firestorm.
In a dramatic, wrestling-style entrance, he ripped off his shirt to reveal a red “Trump-Vance” tank top and shouted:
“Let Trumpamania run wild, brother!”
The crowd erupted. Hogan compared Trump and running mate JD Vance to legendary tag teams, calling them the “greatest tag team” since he and “Macho Man” Randy Savage. The moment went viral, earning millions of views on social media and cementing his place as a MAGA icon.
Campaign Trail Antics: Trump Rallies and Beer Branding
Hogan didn’t stop at the RNC. On October 27, 2024, he appeared at a Trump rally at Madison Square Garden. Though he struggled to rip off his shirt—prompting some online mockery—he remained defiant:
“I don’t see no stinking Nazis in here. I don’t see no stinking domestic terrorists… I see hard-working men and women that are real Americans, brother.”
He even used his “Real American Beer” brand to promote Trump, aligning the beer with the MAGA message. At a grocery store event in Alabama on November 6, following Trump’s victory, Hogan said:
“Thank God, brother. I was praying for that. It was in God’s hands.”
The campaign slogan “Too Big to Rig” was printed on special edition beer cans.
Backlash and Controversy
Hogan’s outspoken support came with a wave of criticism.
- During a Fox News interview, he made a gender-based comment that many found sexist: “The mother is to nourish, but the man is to protect, serve, and provide.” Some praised his “traditional” views, but others slammed the remarks as outdated.
- His 2015 racism scandal resurfaced. Transcripts from a leaked tape showed Hogan using racial slurs, including the N-word. One resurfaced quote: “I am a racist, to a point” The backlash in 2015 led to his temporary WWE removal. His support for Trump in 2024 reignited debates over race, accountability, and public redemption.
Read More: Why Was Hulk Hogan Controversial? Scandals That Shaped His Legacy
Why Did Hulk Hogan Support Trump?
Hogan cited several reasons for backing Trump:
- Personal admiration, especially after the 2024 rally incident
- Concern over economic decline and border security
- A desire to restore what he saw as traditional American values
- A longstanding relationship with Trump dating back to their WrestleMania collaborations in the 1980s
He even joked about joining Trump’s administration, suggesting a role on the President’s Council on Physical Fitness.
Summary Table: Hulk Hogan’s Political Journey
| Event | Date | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obama Endorsement | 2008 | Supported Barack Obama during presidential run | Showed early Democratic leanings |
| Romney Endorsement | 2012 | Switched to support Republican Mitt Romney | Signaled political shift |
| RNC Speech | July 18, 2024 | “Trumpamania” moment, viral shirt rip, praised Trump as a warrior | Became a face of celebrity MAGA support |
| MSG Trump Rally | October 27, 2024 | Repeated shirt-rip routine, defended Trump supporters | Mixed reaction online; mocked and praised |
| Real American Beer Promo | November 6, 2024 | Used beer brand to celebrate Trump’s victory | Aligned product with political messaging |
| Fox News Comments | October 2024 | Patriarchal statements on gender roles | Criticized as sexist, revived past controversies |
Trump’s Tribute After Hogan’s Death
Following Hogan’s death in July 2025, Donald Trump and JD Vance issued public tributes.
Trump wrote on Truth Social:
“Hulk Hogan was MAGA all the way — strong, tough, smart, but with the biggest heart. A true American hero. RIP, brother.”
Hogan’s RNC appearance is now being remembered as one of the defining moments of that convention.
A Complicated Legacy
Hulk Hogan’s support for Trump adds a polarizing layer to an already controversial public figure. While some fans celebrate his patriotism and boldness, others criticize his politics and see it as an extension of past problematic behavior.
One X user summed up the opposing view:
“Hulk Hogan endorsed a man who is a con-artist, racist, (child)r*pist & is working to ruin the lives of millions… That’s the legacy he chose.”
Regardless of where you stand, Hogan’s political activism became a defining part of his final years, ensuring that his legacy will continue to be debated long after his passing.